Take the next step in your career and become a leader in the field of Education. JCU’s Doctor of Education is designed for professionals currently working in Education or who hold formal Education qualifications and wish to contribute to their field through research and discovery.

To complete this doctorate, you will identify a research topic (a theoretical or practical issue of educational significance) and design and carry out a research project to investigate that issue. You will then write a substantial thesis that discusses relevant literature, the perspective and methodology adopted in the research, and the findings and significance of your research.

Study flexibly with the option to undertake the Doctor of Education online while still being able to access support on-campus if you choose to visit.

Pursue your passion for Education and contribute to the advancement of your industry through JCU’s Doctor of Education. Upon graduation, you can pursue further research, academic teaching and research positions, and leadership roles within Education.

Your research topic

Applicants need to discuss their proposed research topic with an appropriate research supervisor.

To look for an appropriate supervisor, use the Find an Advisor service from the Graduate Research School.

A Doctor of Education (Research) from JCU will empower you to contribute your original ideas to the ever-developing field of Education. The advanced research skills and knowledge base that you accumulate will enhance your career as an educator.

With a Doctor of Education (Research), you might find a passion for educational research. Those who continue on as research and teaching academics contribute to an expanding body of research on educational strategies and pedagogy. You may find yourself presenting findings at conferences, both in Australia and internationally, and examining student data to identify and explore trends.

A Doctor of Education (Research) from JCU will also provide you with the knowledge and skills to progress your career within schools. You may return to the classroom and use the insights you have gained to further develop your teaching. You could explore opportunities within school leadership, as a Principal or Deputy Principal. Your high-level communication skills and experience managing workloads will assist you greatly in this pathway.

You may also find yourself working for various educational organisations, helping to supervise curriculum, teacher accreditation, or educational policy. Depending on your area of research specialisation, there are numerous opportunities for you to explore.

Course fees are charged per year of full-time study. International course fees are reviewed annually and subject to change.

A Student Services and Amenities Fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.

Student Visa holders must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their Student Visa (except Norwegian, Swedish and Belgian citizens). Costs depend on the length of study and the number of dependents accompanying the student. For more information see Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

Scholarships and financial aid are also available for international students.

Explore pathways into this course through the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma of Research Methods. If you have no previous research methodology study, you may wish to apply for the Graduate Diploma of Research Methods. If you have previously studied a research methodology subject, discover how the Graduate Certificate of Research Methods can assist you in transitioning into Higher Degree Research.

For more information on your pathways into research, contact our friendly JCU Future Students Team.

To be eligible for entry, applicants must have attained at least one of the following:

a) a Bachelor’s degree with at least Second Class, Division A (Honours) in a degree program that included a total of at least a semester of supervised project work, the results of which contributed to the Honours grade;

b) a postgraduate qualification which included: (a) supervised research component(s) of at least one semester or equivalent and resulted in the production of output(s) graded at the equivalent of Distinction or better, and (b) at least one research methods subject;

c) a Research Masters degree, where at least two thirds of the degree consisted of a supervised research component and resulted in the production of a thesis or equivalent;

d) enrolment at this or another Australian university in a higher degree by research for the equivalent of at least 0.5 EFTSL with demonstrated satisfactory performance in the supervised research component(s);

e) a combination of qualifications, research training and experience, considered equivalent to the above by the Dean of the College to which the Candidate is applying, e.g., senior authorship of at least one peer-reviewed publication plus completion of an appropriate research methods subject.

Visit the Graduate Research School website for more information, and then complete an online application through our Online Application Portal.